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About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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Entries from March 1, 2015 - March 31, 2015

Tuesday
Mar312015

Giz Wiz Show #1512 April 2nd, 2015.

Gadgets from the Luxury Technology Show in NYC 

One of things I was most looking forward to seeing at the Luxury Technology Show was the Clio Invisible Speaker. But I worried, if it’s invisible, how will I know it when I see it? Well it turns out its sort of invisible. I'd guess it's 80% clear plastic sheet of curved acrylic glass and 20% base. (You’ll see it in the video.) Here’s what the company, ClearView says about it: “Meet Clio, the First Invisible Speaker. For the first time, you can get all the benefits of wireless audio speakers without actually having to see them. The ClearView Audio Clio, is a thin, clear and beautiful Bluetooth speaker that harnesses the power of Edge Motion Technology to produce rich, room-filling panoramic sound from a gracefully curved acrylic glass membrane. Clio virtually disappears into the aesthetic of any room or style, delivering a 360-degree sound experience without the clutter of unsightly speaker wires.” Although we were in a large exhibit hall, the Clio did sound good. But I’d have to hear it in a better environment to really comment more. Although it’s not mentioned in the copy above, that base unit also has another speaker to reinforce the bass notes. Although the styling is very different, I’m not sure the company will sell a lot of them at the $349.00 price point. There are a lot of really good sound speakers in that price range. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=62&v=_ZNMKh-e0c0

Company website: http://clearviewaudio.com/

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1512  (Goes live late 4/2/15)

Tuesday
Mar312015

Outdoor TVs that are designed to stay outdoors, 365 days a year!

Here’s a TV company I had not heard of, but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen some of their products in upscale hotels. One line Seura manufactures are “hidden TVs”. They are installed behind mirrors. Turn the TV on via a remote control and the mirror becomes a TV. Shut it off, and it’s a mirror again, or even a picture. They come in sizes from 10” to 27” for a bathroom mirror, all the way to 65” high def, or even 4K models for other rooms. They range in price from about $4500 to $13,000. But what really caught my eye at the Luxury Tech Show was their outdoor TV’s. They make two lines and they’re both designed to stay outdoors, 365 days a year. One, the Storm, ideal for shade and indirect sunlight applications like covered patios, shaded decks and cabanas. They have a temperature rating of -24 F to 122 F. They're waterproof and Séura says their Triple Lock Seal provides protection against dust, moisture, ice, and even insects that can wreak havoc on internal electronics. The company also says they manufacture the thinnest in outdoor TVs, the first of it’s kind to offer a sleek, tapered profile at a mere 2.7” thin. Comes with a complete set of weather-protected inputs and even a waterproof remote control. Séura TV's are available in 42, 55, and 65 inch models. Prices range from about $3900 to $8400. Then there's the Séura Storm Ultra Bright Weatherproof Outdoor TVs for decks, patios, even hot tubs. The super bright LuminOptics are viewerable in sunlight. Temperature range is -30F to 140F. They come in 42, 47 and 52" sizes and retail for about $5,000 to $7500. 

Company website: http://www.seura.com/ 

Weather Test Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcfZprQg1tc 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1512  (Goes live late 4/2/15)

Tuesday
Mar312015

They're more than a bathroom scales!

When I saw the InBody devices, I thought they were high tech scales, but when I heard the prices, (they start at about $6,000 and go up to $13,000 or so), I knew they did more than tell you your weight. They actually tell you 'what you're made of'. Or at least what you're body is made of. Here’s a little bit from their press release to give you an idea of what they’re capable of doing. “InBody has revolutionized the field of Body Composition Analysis with the InBody line of body composition analyzers, using Direct Segmental Multi-Frequency BIA and patented 8-Point Tactile technology. Standing on the InBody for a quick non-invasive test provides users with their body fat percentage, BMR, segmental muscle balance, body water, progress graphs, and more. InBody’s body composition analyzers are renowned for their high accuracy and reproducibility. Many more details are available at the company website. I assume these devices are more aimed at health clubs, doctor’s offices, and maybe a really rich guy’s or gal’s bathroom.  

http://www.inbodyusa.com/store 

More info: http://www.inbodyusa.com/

This one, the InBody Dial seems a little more down-to-earth at about $299.00 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGbL6iXKKHc

While looking around the web at various InBody devices, I came across this fascinating YouTube Video about how much body sculpting can be done with just the computer. No weights or exercise necessary!

Body Evolution - Model Before and After: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17j5QzF3kqE 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1512  (Goes live late 4/2/15)

Tuesday
Mar312015

Chad's Crappy Corner... 

Chad’s theme for April is a re-visit to kitchen gadgets!

First up, from Amazon, comes ---

Fiesta Taco Plates in various colors – Set of 2! Here’s what Amazon says about them:

• Plates help you assemble tidy tacos along with rice or beans

• Holds three hard/soft shell tacos, plus beans, rice and salsas

• Constructed of stain- and grease-resistant plastic

• Dishwasher and microwave safe, Dim: 13" long x 8-3/4" wide.

$9.99 and Amazon Prime, so free shipping if you're a Prime member.

They got 5 stars out of 5 stars from 16 customers on Amazon (as of 4/1/15) but what did Chad think!

Chad’s take: Chad liked these plates and showed us they really solve the problem of holding a taco in place, not only while you're making it, but when you're eating it and you want to put it down. The price is not too bad, at about $5 a plate. They come in colors, but it looks as though the color choice might be up to Amazon. All in all, not a bad deal.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1512 

Tuesday
Mar312015

Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To The Show.

This week's Warehouse Video Video link arrived with this email:

Hi Dick and Chad

Old gadget from early 1970's - video 

https://youtu.be/pt3JkiVuzso 

Dickie D. I just wanted to say I’ve been a big fan of your writing in MAD since I was just a kid in the '60’s! 

Chad, I’ve been a fan of yours since I was in my 60’s!

Love the Giz Wiz podcast!

Norris Hall 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1512  (Goes live late 4/2/15)

                                          ***********************

Get an autographed copy of  MAD Magazine and a 35 year old Alfred E. Neuman picture, plus a piece of crap from the TwiT Brickhouse if we show your video. Don’t you think you should make a video for us too? Details below. 

                                     +++++++++++  

We’re looking for more Viewer Videos! We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so let’s go going!  

Here’s what we’re looking for: Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:  

I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.   

I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.  

My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.   

My Favorite Gadget of All Time: Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too.  

Post them on YouTube and send our producer, Jeff Needles, the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. You’ll get an autographed MAD magazine and some piece of crap. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!   

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv   

Letter of the week: 

You probably won't remember, but I was your guest at Gizneyland afew years ago. Found a silly old ad I wanted to share with you. I stumbled over this a few days ago and immediately thought of you because of your pet condiments last week. I have no idea what this is supposed to be. Liquified potatoes? Perfect for those spuds are just too tough on your teeth. Thought you'd enjoy this fun ad! Keep up the great show. David Pepka Harrisburg, PA

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/cuddyclothes/23816960/282921/282921_600.jpg